Jack's Cancer Fund

My name is John (Jack) Dunn and I have cancer.  Even with this diagnosis, it would have been likely that I’d never have to write something like this.  You see, I’ve always been responsible for myself.  I’ve been gainfully employed most of my adult life and have spent the last few decades working automotive dealerships.  And, I’ve always had insurance to cover any medical issues.  At least I thought I did and now I need your help.

I had been working in New Hampshire for quite a while when a great opportunity came up.  The Lithia Group, which owns many dealerships across the country offered me the chance to come to one of their top stores out in Idaho.  I accepted the position and since it would be a new employer, I chose to retain my current insurance company which is Anthem Blue Cross of New Hampshire.  While this is not a debate about the state of healthcare insurance, I might mention how incredibly expensive the premiums are to keep this insurance.

Just prior to leaving for Idaho, I was not feeling well and visited the Eliot Family Health Care in Hooksett, NH where the doctors diagnosed me with pneumonia.  I was Okayed to travel and start my job, but it seemed whatever I had wasn’t getting better. A few weeks ago I visited an ER here in Pocatello, Idaho where they realized something wasn’t right.

After waiting, I got the news.  Thyroid Carcinoma and Lymphoma.  A far cry from pneumonia.  And, it was so advanced, the doctors want to get right after this.  That was bad news.  But, it actually gets worse.  Anthem Blue Cross of New Hampshire refuses to cover this.  Not because the illness isn’t covered.  Not because the insurance has lapsed (it never did).  But because it was diagnosed in Idaho and Blue Cross Blue Shield states that this is elective surgery!

I spoke with the doctors here and was told that it was to advance to travel back to NH, I would likely have my airway close and all that goes with it. (But at least, the cancer would be covered)  So, now I’m faced with a basket of paid premium for worthless coverage for an illness that has to be treated yesterday.  It’s too risky to travel and the bill will be in the hundreds of thousands.

This is why, I’m reaching out.  I need your help.  I know we’ve just come through the holidays and things are tight.  Any help at all would be fantastic.  And, if you can’t help financially, I can still use you.  Please share this everywhere you can and maybe someone will see it who is in a position to help.  And, a few prayers here and there would be great.

I thank all of you for reading my story.

John (Jack) Dunn